Hey Guys! I am making my transition from simple close up table magic to stand up magician. None of the effects I perform use a table, But I'm wondering if I should still use a table on the stage anyway. I don't really need a ditch box unless I just put a magician's top hat on it and make it play into the show. Everything I do works out of the pockets. I keep my coins, cards, ropes, sponges etc. in my pockets. So should I still have some sort of a table anyway on the stage? I don't want to interupt the show focus by getting it in the way but I know it may serve me some well even if I just keep a deck of cards and a pen on it. Any suggestions?

Go with your gut. No table.

Me? I'm loaded down with a lot of tables, props, etc. But I would get rid of any piece I don't use or doesn't absolutely have to be there because it adds to the show.

Keith

Based on what you have said, I'd say, forget the table. It would just be in the way. I watched Daryl do a 1 hr show with no table. It isn't new.

http://nnmagic.com/magicitems/stagemagicpage_al.htm
Maybe the cane to table works for you.

I agree too. If you can manage out of the pockets, then a table will not serve any purpose. But if you want to add an extra prop or two (something that cannot fit inside a pocket) then a table would be useful.

Jimmy Talksalot has a book on busking that talks about his act. He works without a table all the time and cleans up.

What about having a routine looking the same with and without table but taking advantage of both situations.
I have a one coin routine which looks exactly the same but is technically very different whether I do it sittting at a diner table (using lapping) or standing in a coktail (using sleeving).